33rd Mount Kinabalu International Climbathon 2026

The 33rd Mount Kinabalu International Climbathon 2026 takes place on Sunday, 18 October 2026, in Kinabalu Park, Kundasang, Sabah. One of Malaysia's most internationally recognised mountain races, the 2026 edition is part of the Merrell Skyrunner World Series, where it is scheduled as the seventeenth stage. The race is organised by Sabah Tourism Board through Sri Pelancongan Sabah Sdn Bhd, working with Sabah Parks. The organisers are expecting roughly 250 experienced athletes from Malaysia and overseas, rather than a mass-participation field open to casual runners.

A 24.5 km journey up Mount Kinabalu

The official 24.5 km out-and-back route climbs approximately 12.25 km from Kinabalu Hall in Kinabalu Park to Low's Peak, around 4,095 m above sea level, before retracing the descent over roughly the same distance. It combines forest paths, steep steps and exposed mountain rock with dramatic changes in altitude, weather and terrain. The route map places Timpohon Gate around kilometre 4.03, Layang-Layang around 7 km and the summit turnaround at 12.25 km. Competitors need sustained climbing ability, confident descending and the ability to move safely on steep alpine-style terrain. The organiser provides a GPX link alongside the official route artwork.

All three categories start together at 6:30 am Malaysia time on 18 October. The competition offers Men's Elite, Women's Elite and Men's Veteran (40 years and older). The Elite categories require entrants to be at least 18 on race day. Qualification is assessed using submitted mountain-running experience and supporting results, so this is not a beginner-friendly walk or a standard road-run sign-up.

Strict summit and finish cut-offs

The course is controlled by separate uphill and downhill time limits:

• Men's Elite: maximum 3 hours 30 minutes to the summit, then 3 hours from summit to finish.
• Women's Elite: maximum 4 hours to the summit, then 3 hours 30 minutes to finish.
• Men's Veteran: maximum 4 hours to the summit, then 3 hours 30 minutes to finish.

Runners must pass the official checkpoints and follow instructions from race officials. There are eight water/aid stations including the finish area, according to the event FAQ. The rules prohibit outside assistance and trekking poles during the race. Recommended equipment includes trail shoes, a hydration pack, energy supplies and an extra clothing layer; organisers warn that temperatures can fall markedly towards the summit.

Race-weekend arrangements

The organiser lists race-pack collection at Kinabalu Hall on Friday 16 and Saturday 17 October, from 10:00 am to 6:00 pm on each day. A briefing for all categories is scheduled for 6:00 pm on Saturday 17 October. On race morning, participants are asked to assemble from 5:00 am; the event's posted programme anticipates the first runner finishing at approximately 9:00 am and the programme ending at 2:30 pm.

Drivers may park outside the Kinabalu Park entrance, because vehicle access past the park gate is restricted to official vehicles. The start/finish area is at Kinabalu Hall, not the summit and not central Kota Kinabalu. Visiting runners should arrange accommodation and transport around Kundasang or Kinabalu Park and account for early-morning travel, weather and the mountain altitude.

Registration and prizes

Registration is closed for the 2026 edition. Published entry fees were RM378 for Malaysian athletes and RM486 for international athletes. The race awards prize money by placing: the first three in each of the men's elite, women's elite and men's veteran divisions are advertised at RM8,000, RM6,000 and RM4,000, followed by prizes for fourth through tenth place.

The race is an elite, qualification-based event, so spectators and travellers should not confuse this race with the separate Timpohon Run on Saturday 17 October, which has a shorter route and different participation rules. Final safety instructions and route notices from Sabah Parks and the organiser take precedence over general travel information.